Regional educational series announced to prepare livestock industry for new FDA rules governing antibiotic use

In an effort to assist the livestock industry in preparing for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) expanded veterinary feed directive (VFD), the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) has partnered with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association to offer regional educational sessions around the state.

“The program will include a general overview of the VFD, species breakout sessions, and discussion panels featuring veterinarians, producers, and feed industry personnel,” Clark says. “The implementation date of January 1, 2017, is approaching, and at this point people may have some specific questions or scenarios that they are unsure about. Hopefully, we can help answer some questions and clarify some of those issues.”

Under the expanded set of rules, a veterinarian’s written statement is required for antibiotic use in livestock feed. Additionally, water-based antibiotics will also require a prescription.

“We want Iowa farmers to gain the knowledge needed to continue the great job raising healthy livestock in Iowa,” said Ed Kordick, commodity services manager for IFBF. “The meetings will be a great opportunity for livestock farmers and everyone involved in the new FDA regulation to learn the changes needed on the farm.”

There is no fee to attend the meetings, but preregistration is encouraged. To register, simply call the number associated with the session you would like to attend.